Immigration and Customs were actually pretty easy. Long lines, but they moved fast. We followed the signs to the taxi lanes and waited our turn. Cabs came and went quickly and the attendants who directed passengers and cabs were cheerful and efficient. It took less than 10 minutes to get to our hotel. More cheerful people who zipped us through and up to our room on the 19th floor. Odd arrangement with every room on a corner and with a balcony. Not much to see with the gray weather, though.
Mom's test kit showed a low battery reading and she was running out of test strips so we went to find a drugstore. We walked right by the first London Drug that had a very small front opening and a sign high up on the building. So we kept walking figuring we would find another eventually.
After 7 or 8 blocks we came to the Pacific Center that was supposed to have a large underground shopping area, perfect for a rainy day. We passed on the Art Museum saving it for later, maybe. Across the street we noticed a London Drug store so we went there first. It was large and even had a lower level. We got the batteries and test strips and went down to get bus passes. The lower level opened into the underground shopping area we had been told about. Not that much to see unless you wanted upscale clothes or Sears products.
We surfaced again and started looking for a place to have lunch. The people in Vancouver have to be among the friendliest in North America. We must have looked like lost tourists, because several pedestrians stopped and asked if we needed directions. We got directions to the White Spot, just two blocks away. Think upscale Chilis. Good food.
Back at the hotel we had to decide on what to do in the rain. The worse that could happen is that we get wet, so we started out to find a bus to Stanley Park. Our friendly pedestrian had told us about the #19 bus and where to catch it, so we took a chance. We seemed to have perfect timing missing our bus just across the street three different times during our stay, but the public transit system is really good. Buses come every few minutes and most are electric.
We got to Stanley Park just as the rain stopped and walked over to the Vancouver Aquarium. Pricey, but worth it. Much more than we expected. And while we were there, the sun came out and it actually was warm outside. They have a Beluga Whale tank, Sea Otters and a Pacific Dolphin show. The inside exhibits are the usual fish, large and small, but also birds, amphibians and a sloth. Just as we were on our way home the sun disappeared and the rain poured down. Got a little wet, but not bad.
Tuesday we set out to Granville Island and the public market. Gray skys but no rain. One transfer and we were one block away. The driver must deal with a lot tourists because she reassured tourist-looking riders they were on the right bus and showed everyone where the return bus would stop. Canadians have to the most polite people you'll ever meet.
The public market is only one of dozens of shops and restaurants in several blocks by the water. Musicians take turns playing at several public venues in the area. All kinds of goodies are there: baked, veggies, sea food, meats, flowers, coffee and sit down delis. We spent a couple of hours there and headed back to the hotel. Mom wanted to see the totem poles at Stanley Park so wewent back again to find them. We talked to another friendly Canadian at the park and got directions. Looked like a long way on the map, but as usual was a short hike through the woods. And the sun came out again, right on schedule. And of course when we left it disappeared but this time no rain. Very scenic city and probably really nice during the summer, but only a few more things to do in the city. The surrounding areas are supposed to be beautiful. Maybe next time.
